Snatch Deadlift

An intermediate compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

Snatch Deadlift — Starting position Starting position
Snatch Deadlift — End position End position
Difficulty Intermediate
Type Olympic Weightlifting
Equipment Barbell
Primary Muscle Hamstrings
AI Rep Counting Log manually

How to Do Snatch Deadlift

  1. The snatch deadlift strengthens the first pull of the snatch. Begin with a wide snatch grip with the barbell placed on the platform. The feet should be directly under the hips, with the feet turned out. Squat down to the bar, keeping the back in absolute extension with the head facing forward.
  2. Initiate the movement by driving through the heels, raising the hips. The back angle should remain the same until the bar passes the knees.
  3. At that point, drive your hips through the bar as you lay back. Return the bar to the platform by reversing the motion.

Muscles Worked

Front
Back

Primary

Where Snatch Deadlift does most of its work.

Secondary

Assisting and stabilising muscles.

Alternatives to Snatch Deadlift

10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.

  1. 1 Romanian Deadlift from Deficit

    Romanian Deadlift from Deficit

    An intermediate compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  2. 2 Muscle Snatch

    Muscle Snatch

    An intermediate compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  3. 3 Clean Deadlift

    Clean Deadlift

    A beginner compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    beginner Barbell
  4. 4 Split Snatch

    Split Snatch

    An advanced compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    advanced Barbell
  5. 5 Hang Snatch

    Hang Snatch

    An advanced compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    advanced Barbell
  6. 6 Hang Snatch - Below Knees

    Hang Snatch - Below Knees

    An advanced compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    advanced Barbell
  7. 7 Power Snatch

    Power Snatch

    An advanced compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    advanced Barbell
  8. 8 Clean

    Clean

    An intermediate compound Olympic weightlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  9. 9 Sumo Deadlift

    Sumo Deadlift

    An intermediate compound powerlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  10. 10 Sumo Deadlift with Bands

    Sumo Deadlift with Bands

    An intermediate compound powerlifting exercise that works the hamstrings, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles do snatch deadlift work?

Snatch Deadlift primarily works the hamstrings. The forearms, glutes, lower back, quads and traps assist as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for snatch deadlift?

Snatch Deadlift uses barbell.

Snatch Deadlift: is it suitable for beginners?

Snatch Deadlift is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.

What can I do instead of snatch deadlift?

Romanian Deadlift from Deficit, Muscle Snatch, Clean Deadlift train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.

Can Fitnit count my snatch deadlift reps automatically?

Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; snatch deadlift can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.

Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.

Track Your Snatch Deadlift with AI

Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.